This is a gorgeous article from World of Interiors that I have had on my moodboard for well over a year now, I’ve been meaning to show you for that long! Aren’t I lazy (don’t answer that). Oh yes I remember why I didn’t show you earlier – it’s because I was hoping to shoot Manon’s studio as part of Paris: Made By Hand! But after a chat with Manon we found out that her atelier is not open to the public, and that is very important for the Made By Hand concept. So then I tried to find Manon’s work in Paris so that I could at least include her pieces, but to no avail. Her work was nowhere to be found in Paris at the time. I was very sad as I adore her creations and philosophy, and wanted to photograph her space and her work. I hope one day I have the opportunity to do so, but in the meantime let’s take a look at these beautiful photographs by Eric Morin for World of Interiors…

Manon creates fabric sculptures, dressed household objects, clothes and accessories.  Every single piece is unique and exquisite…

She uses uniforms from early 20th century workmen and women, and her textile collection is, well, c’est à mourir (to-die-for)…

Manon’s studio is part of a residents for artists. Her kitchen is full of lovely old crockery, all on display, and the back wall is covered in peony wallpaper which she found at a brocante…

And then, as if Eric Morin (sorry I cannot find any website for his work) did not already whet our appetite for  inspiration, I just found this incredible story of images by Japanese photographer Makiko Takehara (again, no online portfolio)who recently photographed Manon and her Paris studio for Japanese fashion magazine so-en. Take a deep breath and hold it tight, because what you are about to see will indeed, take your breath away…

Are you still with me? My heart did ten double backflips when I first saw these images, with thanks to mady dooijes of abundance – a textile designer herself who authors a beautiful blog filled with inspiration. From there I went on a rather erratic wander – running to a number of dead ends in search of the original shots and more information. Alas, here are the images, but no more information than I have already offered. Manon and her work remains a beautiful mystery, one that you may cross if you are in the right place, at the right time.  Let’s hope for this moment…

To see more of Manon Gignoux’s work, please click here.

Last week or so you may have noticed that I featured the blog of the very beautiful 100% organic cotton children’s wear line called Periwinklebloom in the ‘blogs in the spotlight'(see sidebar). This week I’m delighted to share with you Periwinklebloom’s Autumn ’09 collection which has just launched. The concept behind this collection is about layering, and ‘kind’ design, with an introduction of ‘waste-not wares’ –  making use of organic cotton and vintage scraps. The collection was shot in an antiques warehouse by photographer Greg Rannells, and I adore everything about it – not only the new designs but the styling, the location, the props and of course, the gorgeous models. Tyler, who is the creator of Periwinklebloom recently told me that she kept my book in mind as her muse for the shoot. Wowsers, what a compliment.  I love how inspiration is a revolving, ever-evolving door…

So here is a sneak peek of Periwinklebloom’s Autumn ’09 collection but be sure to check out the full range right here. Each garment is 100% organic cotton, homegrown and hand-sewn in the United States.

Beautiful, non? Oh, I love it. Thank you,  Periwinklebloom.

A few months ago I had the pleasure of meeting artist An Hoang and her husband Jeremy while they were here in Holland for An’s solo exhibition opening in Den Hague. I invited them over to le petit bateau one morning for tea and cookies with Riley, and the 5 of us sat around, enjoying wonderful conversation. Jeremy, who is an architect, was telling us about his current project – creating a very special space for his friend Sarah who owns Saipua, in Brooklyn, New York.  When Jeremy was describing his design, I was instantly drawn to it – from the materials he wanted to use (gorgeous silver barn wood), to the structure itself which he described to be ” two box-like rooms – one nested within the other.” Jeremy had the challenge of creating a tiny interior retail space within a warehouse opened by a garage door. He used the concept of an old  dressmaker’s sewing box:

“There is a life and beauty that exists in an old dressmakers sewing box. That life lies not in the wood and brass hinges from which the box is made, rather it is found within the multi-colored jumble of spools of thread and the assortment of pins placed at random in the pincushion. This is an arrangement that could only emerge from use – the result of an ongoing act between the dressmaker, the dressmaker’s tools, and the thing being made.” Jeremy Barbour of Tacklebox

Last weekend the space opened to the public for the first time, and it is breathtaking. It completely encompasses the Saipua aesthetic, and is the most beautiful backdrop for Sarah’s soaps and flower arrangements.  I can’t wait to see it in person. A big congratulations to Jeremy and his team, as well as Sarah and her partner Eric for such an amazing space. Enjoy your new premises, dear Saipua!

Magie Hollingworth fashions paper pulp into fabulous stuff. Her work is also featured at Flow Gallery in London right now.

Incredibly inspiring. Magie makes me want to learn how to make paper pulp from my recycled paper waste and make stuff too. Oh, if only there were enough hours in a day, days in a week, years in a lifetime.

Beautiful. Classic. Sophisticated. I adore seeing how artists come up with creative ways of using recycled material in their work.

I am loving the work of artist Clare Goddard. Her pieces are currently showing at Flow Gallery in London until September 19, along with 12 other international artists who all “harness the sensitivity of the hand-made object.” Clare’s work above is made from paper, wood and thread. Gorgeous, non? The above photograph is taken by beth galton who is a fabulous food photographer based in new york, check out her online portfolio here.

I’m also in love with Clare’s studio. It’s heavenly.